After two search operations conducted Thursday night in which police on St. Thomas executed warrants at two homes, officers arrested one of two suspects wanted for the slaying of Moa Penha.
Kamoui Francis, 21, who escaped police custody Wednesday, was finally apprehended at about 6 a.m. Friday in the Garden Street area. Police are still looking for the second suspect, Isaac Austrie.
Throughout the night police executed search and arrest warrants on at least two St. Thomas residences, the department reported.
"Our work is not finished, there is one more wanted suspect on the loose, Isaac Austrie, and it is just a matter of time before he is captured also," said St. Thomas/St. John Police Chief Rodney F. Querrard Sr. in a press release Friday. “I am again sending a stern warning to those aiding and abetting Austrie or know where he is hiding. You are facing the possibility of being convicted and spending years in jail for helping this suspect evade police. "
Police believe community members were also helping hide Francis and will seek a prosecutorial opinion from the Attorney General’s office to bring charges against anyone who was involved.
During the manhunt, a suspect wanted for an unrelated crime turned himself into police. Willis W. Pinney II arrived at the police station his attorney at about 4 p.m. Thursday and was arrested. Before his arrest, detectives spoke to Pinney’s family members, telling them they had information on his whereabouts, and advising them that he should turn himself in immediately, according to the release.
Pinney had been placed on the territory’s "Most Wanted" list earlier in the week.
Anyone with information can call Querrard’s office at 715-5548, the Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives at 642-8449, 714-9844 or 714-9805, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-TIPS.
